OTTAWA, October 19, 2005 -- The Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Development and Minister of State (Sport), today welcomed UNESCO's adoption of the International Convention against Doping in Sport at the 33rd UNESCO General Conference in Paris, France, which concludes on October 21. Canada is proud to have contributed to this important milestone for sport, said Minister Owen. The adoption of the Convention will ensure that governments worldwide continue to work together to create an environment that enables athletes to compete on a fair and equal playing field. The International Convention against Doping in Sport promotes the prevention and ultimate elimination of doping in sport. The Convention provides the legal authority within which all governments can recognize the mandate of the World Anti-Doping Agency and the principles of the World Anti?Doping Code, which provides the framework for the harmonization of anti?doping policies and programs. Under the Convention, governments will work with the sport community to take action to eliminate doping in sport.Canada has been a key player in the development of the Convention and, since 2003, has chaired intergovernmental meetings and negotiations to ensure progress and consensus on an international anti-doping Convention. Through its leadership, Canada has demonstrated its commitment to protecting sport ethics and values and to supporting cooperation among governments to address doping in sport.Our country is respected worldwide for its domestic anti-doping program and policies, administered by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, and for its leadership in promoting a drug-free, fair, and ethical environment for sport. The adoption of the Convention solidifies Canada's role as a leading sport nation and its contribution to the international anti-doping movement. The Convention will come into force when 30 Member States of UNESCO have accepted to be legally bound by it.Information:Renée GillenPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport)(819) 954-1110Jean-Guy BeaupréChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
